Chapter 27
CALLUM
“Go team!”
The man’s obsession with himself is only slightly less than women’s obsessions with him.
From the moment we stepped into the club, we’ve been surrounded by eager puck bunnies who’ve made it clear they don’t care which hockey player they take back to their room tonight.
I’ve been hiding in darkened corners to stave off roving hands and flirtatious winks.
The only woman I want grinding against me is five hundred miles away and I won’t be seeing her for another five days.
I’ve been cursing my stupidity since I let Alia go with only a kiss.
I’ve been tortured with what our date could’ve led to if I’d given in.
My only consolation is that my days are busy with practice, travel, and intensely competitive games.
We’ve been inching our way up the Western Conference scoreboard and fully expect to make the playoffs if we keep our heads on straight.
Tomorrow is a travel day; we fly to Canada for back-to-back games with Toronto, then New York, then Florida before finally returning home.
Stretches like these take a toll on our minds and bodies so I’m not surprised that most of the team, instigated by Theo, wants to let loose.
The rookies have scattered with Kubanski in tow and Mateo left after a single drink to catch up with his wife.
We all know that’s code for phone sex. Rohan, anti-social as usual, refused to join us at all.
He’s probably in bed already. Lucky bastard.
Theo slams back yet another shot and barks out, “Fuck, I love Vegas!”
“Slow down, man. I think you’ve had enough.
” I signal the bartender for a bottle of water.
Before I can force my friend to hydrate, the busty brunette who’s all but claimed Theo returns and throws her arms around him.
A few whispered words and a downright pornographic tongue-filled kiss later, he slips an arm around her waist and tucks her into him, grinning like he’s won some Vegas jackpot.
“I’m heading up to your room with Hollie.”
Hollie preens at his announcement.
“Excuse me?” I gape.
“I let one of the rookies use mine.”
Idiot.
“Can’t she take you to hers?”
“Her friend is occupying it already. DuPont is with her.” He sheepishly ruffles his hair with his free hand. “Give me an hour.” When Hollie rises on her toes, muttering something in his ear again, his dopey grin widens. “Two hours,” he corrects.
“Dude!” I protest. I’m tired. I want to get the fuck out of here.
“Bro code, Finnigan. I’ll even change the sheets for you.
Do this for me. Two hours, please,” he begs, patting my shoulder and slipping into the crowd before I can say anything else.
Dammit. Two hours is never just two. Hockey players are known for their stamina and, as much as I hate to admit it, I’ve kept Theo out for much longer. I owe him for New York last year.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, distracting me from the annoyance I’m trying to stem.
Tater Tots:
Are you busy?
Me:
Can’t hear much but I can text
At a club Novak dragged the team to
Tater Tots:
Omnia?
Me:
How’d you know?
I pick up my drink and lean against the bar top, watching little dots dance about as Alia responds.
Tater Tots:
Theo’s Instagram. He posted a photo at the club.
Me:
Should I be jealous that you’re keeping tabs on his social media?
Tater Tots:
I was looking for you.
Jesus. I love how honest she is. If she was here, she’d find herself under me in minutes.
Me:
Fuck, Tots…
I shouldn’t like that so much but I do
Tater Tots:
You do?
Me:
Putting it mildly, but yes
I wish you were here right now
“Careful what you wish for.”
My heart leaps into my throat. When I look up, I’m sure I’m dreaming. Three feet away, dressed in a slinky gold number that glitters every time she shifts, is Alia.
My eyes travel the length of her svelte body and down tan legs that end in strappy heels, looking like a bondage dream come true.
I peruse her, making my way back up to her glossy lips that shine almost as brightly as her eyes when the strobe lights hit her face.
A sharp dart of desire shoots straight to my groin, blanketing my entire body when her lips curve—a little unsure, a little playful, unmistakably inviting.
She closes the distance between us with lithe grace, and I watch, mesmerized by the symphony of her willowy form. It takes every ounce of my control to not throw her over my shoulders and march out.
I stand from my seat just as she reaches me, her killer heels adding enough height so she’s barely a couple inches shorter.
“Alia.” My voice is breathless. I feel like a horny teenager at the cusp of maturity who’s going to blow a load simply by looking at a hot woman. “You stalkin’ me, gorgeous?”
The throwback comment makes her chuckle.
“I dreamed of you,” she says simply, like her being here is no big deal. Like I’m not completely bowled over by her presence.
“Yeah?” My voice is rubble. Our eyes hold each other, the tension between us so thick that my throat clogs with need. “That’s why you’re here?”
“I’m here because. . .” Blushing, she shifts. I reach out and take her hand in mine, drawing her closer so even a whispered word would be loud enough to hear.
“Because?” I prod, my breath sticking in my lungs when she lifts her gaze to me.
Warm eyes reflect my feelings like an unclouded mirror, desire and determination rising to the surface when she answers.
“Because I want you to make my dream come true.”